Chargers Coach Mike McCoy Was in AGONY After the Broncos Recovered that Onside Kick (Video)

There was a lot of pressure on Chargers coach Mike McCoy heading into Thursday night’s game against the Broncos. His team was 1-4 on the season, and it wasn’t just number of losses that were problematic. It was the manner in which they lost. You see, in three of their four losses, the Chargers actually had the lead at the two-minute warning but could not stop their opponent from scoring. So there were rumors that, the Chargers suffered another embarrassing loss, McCoy would be out of a job.

So what happened on Thursday? I’m glad you asked!

The Chargers had a 21-3 lead with 12 minutes left in the fourth quarter. But the Broncos scored a touchdown with eight minutes remaining and kicked a field goal with 27 seconds left to get within seven points. Then, on the ensuing onside kick, Denver recovered the ball at the San Diego 46 with 26 seconds remaining. And all of a sudden it looked like the Chargers were about to blow another one.

Fortunately for McCoy, the Chargers defense finally came through in the clutch, stopping the Broncos at the 45-yard line and sealing a much needed victory.

The significance of the win was not lost on Chargers QB Phillip Rivers.

“It wasn’t talked about a lot on the team but veteran players…I felt it. Not that I expected [McCoy would be fired] if it didn’t go well. I had no idea, but you also you are not playing dumb. We knew we had to get this thing going in a hurry.”